SYDNEY: The devastated parents of two Australian brothers killed during a surf trip to Mexico spoke publicly about their loss for the first time Wednesday, urging wellwishers to "live bigger, shine brighter and love harder" in their memory.
Speaking from California, Debra and Martin Robinson told Australian media that since the death of their sons Callum and Jake, "the world has become a darker place."
The brothers and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad had been on a surf trip to Mexico's western Pacific coast when prosecutors allege they were the victims of a murder-robbery.
Their bodies were found on Friday in a cliff-top shaft with bullet wounds to the head. Three people have since been arrested in connection with their deaths.
Speaking from a San Diego beach, father Martin Robinson thanked friends and family in Australia and the United States who have offered "overwhelming support" since the men went missing.
With the ocean at their backs, mother Debra struggled through prepared remarks.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Callum and Jake have been murdered," she began, her voice straining with emotion.
"Our hearts are broken and the world has become a darker place for us."
She described Callum, aged 33, as a "lovable, larger-than-life character" who played professional lacrosse in the United States, where he became known as "the big koala."
Jake, aged 30, was described as a "happy, gentle and compassionate soul, who was pursuing a career in medicine" and had a keen love for surfing and cricket.
"They were young men enjoying their passion of surfing together."
"Now it is time to bring them home to family and friends and the ocean waves in Australia," she said breaking down.
"Please live bigger, shine brighter and love harder in their memory." — AFP